Recipe for Love
Guys, you don’t have to like piña coladas or getting caught in the rain to have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day date. So don’t worry about timing your dinner with the sunset or paying for a horse-drawn carriage ride. Instead, stick to this step-by-step recipe for the perfect first date and you’ll be singing a new song the day after Valentine’s.
Step one: The Set-Up: Assuming that you’ve already clinched the hardest part of the date – actually asking your valentine out – now comes the follow-through. Unless you’re a creep that hits on every other specimen in the Coors Fitness Center, play the mystery card to your advantage. Tell your date what time you will meet up with her (or him), but do not tell them what you’re going to be doing. Let it be a nice surprise. Your date’s anticipation will make her more anxious to go out with you, and it will give you the freedom to be a bit creative.
Step two: The Location: By no means should you take your date to see “The Woman in Black” or the 3D version of “The Beauty and the Beast.” No movies whatsoever. Because this is a first date, the goal is to play off the chemistry that attracted you to your valentine in the first place, not prevent you from interacting with each other so the married couple a few rows up from you can hear Daniel Radcliffe prove why he won’t be remembered as Harry Potter for the remainder of his career. Consider doing something physical and a bit competitive, like bowling or mini golf – that way, when there is a break in the conversation, you can at least use your activity as a fallback conversation starter. After the game is over, continue the dialogue at a nearby restaurant, preferably one with more adventurous foods like sushi – so you can stand out more than the average Joe from her ASEM class.
Step three: The Dress: Not what your date wears, but what you wear. You should invest as much time into date preparation as you should the actual date, so take a shower. Comb your hair, careful not to add so much styling gel that you look like a drowned rat. If you don’t want a big pay off, wear a T-shirt. But if you want a second date, opt for a suit jacket, a casual button-up shirt, jeans or slacks, comfortable shoes and a dab – not a douse! – of cologne. The biggest sense connecting attraction to memory is smell, so make yours noticeable enough to be remembered but not overwhelming to the point that your date just wants to forget.
Step four: Just Before the Main Event: They say chivalry may be dead, but why can’t you be the one to revive it? Should the opportunity arise, don’t hesitate to open a door or pull out a chair, but avoid going out of your way to do so – after all, it’s the 21st Century and your date is fully capable. Notable gentlemanly things to do: opening your car door, paying for your date’s lightrail ticket (if necessary), covering the check at bowling and dinner. If your date is the type to insist on going dutch when it comes to paying, that’s when you insist that she pick up dessert instead. That way you’ll be sure to make it to the dessert stage – or, at the very least, you’ll have enough money in your wallet or on your card to grab a drink with your buddies if the night ends prematurely.
Step five: The Show: Every person loves to talk about themselves, but not everyone realizes they do. So ask questions – about your date’s major, her job, her hobbies, her roommate, but without seeming like a lawyer questioning a witness. Never EVER bring up partying or drinking unless she does, because you want to give her the impression that there’s more to you than red Solo cups (even if there’s not). Don’t be afraid to interject every once in a while and talk about your passions too or your opinions on certain topics. The most memorable dates are the ones in which the conversation is quick and flirty, so throw in a few suggestive puns or a joke here or there and gauge her reactions. If she’s into it, and subsequently you, she’ll make eye contact and laugh. If she’s not, she’ll feign a smile and try to change the subject.
Step six: The After Party: If things are going well, she’ll throw you the tell-tale signs: arm-grabbing, eyelash-batting, mention of going back to her place or some sort of mention to continue spending time together. This is what you want. Sure, the intentions behind an invitation to see her room on the 10th floor of Halls South may not be too thinly veiled, but other cues may be trickier to judge. Do your best and feel out the situation, taking into account her overall engagement with you throughout the night. Whatever you do, though, don’t pull a Ted Mosby and bring out the “L” word on the first date. That never ends well for anyone, regardless of how many piña coladas may or may not have been involved.
Step seven: The Follow Up: Have a good time? Don’t be afraid to follow it up with a text within the next 24 hours. Something brief but sweet, like “Last night was fun” or “Can’t wait to see you again soon.” If the date didn’t go so well, chalk it up to “experience” and move on. But if you enjoyed yourself, and she did too, be a man and reel in your fish by following up.
Sweetly Single
For those unlucky few whose bodies have been pierced by a magical, lust-and-love-infused arrow, the approach of Valentine’s Day warrants much preparation for oodles of ooey-gooey, romantic festivity. Cupid certainly has his work cut out for him this year – it seems inevitable that many are destined to spend this holiday single instead of partaking in the gush. If you are one of the millions lacking a significant other today, don’t fret; instead, find reassurance in the countless reasons why “the holiday for lovers” is far more enjoyable when spent without one.
Don’t Shave Your…
No one can deny the soft allure of freshly-shaven skin – however, very few can deny the fact that shaving is a time-consuming, inconveniencing nuisance, particularly during the winter when body hair’s natural advantage in the struggle to stay warm becomes quite evident. (Appendages are often extensively bundled up throughout February, anyway, so what’s the point in staying silky-smooth?) When spending Valentine’s Day alone, shaving faces or legs or underarms or anywhere else becomes far less of a priority – you’ll save yourself at least 10 minutes of the day to do something substantial, like eat a balanced breakfast or read an article in the Clarion.
Not Sharing is Not Caring
Forget how stereotypical and clichéd the pint of Ben & Jerry’s and the bottle of wine in your lap are – remind yourself that you’re alone, which means you are not obligated to share your comfort food or libations with anyone. You don’t need to go to the extra effort of dividing the ice cream and wine into separate bowls and glasses. Just dive right in, and with every spoonful and every swig, think of something worth smiling about, like how beautiful your hair is or how you aced your last exam or how fortunate you are to indulge in such utter luxuries to the fullest possible extent. Just try to disregard the nutrition label in the process.
No Post-Passion Repercussions
Assuming that an evening teeming with invigorating conversation, flowers, fancy meals and winged cherubs would result in some sort of passionate physical exchange, steering clear of bodily contact eliminates any potentially unwanted consequences. Although you won’t be cuddling anyone, you will have attained victory in the game of 2 a.m. blanket tug-of-war that could have sleepily ensued after spooning. You have a whole mattress on which to stretch your limbs and no reason at all to be self-conscious of your snoring, sleep-talking or subconsciously stimulated journeys to your sleep-walking location of choice.
If remaining without a partner on Valentine’s Day still seems to be an insurmountably bleak experience, spending time with other singles can help distract all parties involved from feelings of loneliness and discouragement. Hey, a single person shindig might even be a breeding ground for new relationships. Remain positive and perhaps you’ll transform into a perfect target for next year’s celebrations.
Going the Distance
For most, Valentine’s Day entails spending the day or evening with that special someone, going out to dinner or on a date. However, for some, it involves anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand miles in between and the need to be a little more creative on this day of romance. So get out your art supplies, put on your thinking cap and get to work.
Plan a Surprise
From Her: You know him better than most people do; what does he love? Call his favorite restaurant and have them deliver dinner (most places will let you pay over the phone). Talk to his roommate and have him put his favorite candy, ice cream or snack on his desk. Small acts can go a long way to brighten his day.
From Him: When it comes to surprises, cliches aren’t necessarily to be avoided. Think of something you know she likes, perhaps flowers or a massage, and set it all up for her to enjoy. Even a surprise letter in the mail can really make a difference. It just shows that she is on your mind and you care enough to dedicate your time to her.
Make a Meaningful Gift
From Her: Store-bought cards are nice, but put some effort into it and make a card yourself. He’ll appreciate the sentiment and it will be much more personal, plus arts and crafts time beats homework any day. Include your favorite picture of both of you or write a silly poem. It may sound cheesy, but it will make him smile.
From Him: The key to making a meaningful gift is to take the time to think about it. What does she value most about your relationship? Have an artistic friend draw a picture of the two of you together based off a photograph (or do it yourself if you are capable). She’ll love to show it off, and it’s easy to put up on the wall.
Have a Skype Date
From Her: Even if you can’t physically be together, you can still have a romantic evening. Set a time for a Skype date, and treat it like a real date. Put on his favorite outfit and curl up with your laptop for a good conversation. Seeing his face and hearing his voice undoubtedly trumps texting.
Try using the Share Screen function to watch a movie together. You may not be able to hold hands, but you can still laugh along together and talk about the best parts.
From Him: Skype dates can be a great way to feel the same connection you have while you two are together. It doesn’t matter what you look like; you just need to spend the time talking, getting the face-to-face time that isn’t otherwise possible.
Send a Care Package
From Her: Make a package of small surprises for him. Fill the box with envelopes that can’t be opened until a certain time in the day; it will be exciting because the surprise lasts more than a few minutes, and being involved in his routine throughout the day will help close the distance between the two of you. Ideas: an envelope for the afternoon with a gift card to a nearby ice cream parlor with instructions to take his friends, or an envelope with a silly story he can’t open until bedtime. Be creative.
From Him: Putting together a true care package should be reserved for special occasions. Leave the practical items for moms; what she wants from you is something cute and personal, something to make her smile. As with the meaningful gift, take the time to think of something that will make her smile every time she sees it.
Editor’s note: Anna and her boyfriend co-wrote this article, proving that there are lots of activities that loved ones can share, even from far away.
Last-minute Gifts
Alright, admit it. You knew that Valentine’s Day was close… but not this close. All around the world people like you are panicking right this second, but have no fear. We’ve compiled a list of all the best, quickest and most creative last-minute gifts to catch your date by complete surprise, and keep your forgetfulness under wraps.
Dorm Room Camping
This is perfect for a cheap and romantic night with your sweetheart. You can pop an actual tent in his or her room or make a tent-like fort. Drape it with Christmas lights and put two sleeping bags inside for the night, “roast” marshmallows in the microwave and enjoy an evening together in the great indoors.
Favorite Places – This is a fun way to treat your sweetie on Valentine’s Day. Kidnap your significant other for the day or evening, and take them to their favorite places. Customize it, too; take them to all their favorite fast food restaurants, take them to all their favorite people-watching spots on campus, to their favorite record stores, or recreate their favorite place (virgin margaritas on the J-Mac Beach, anyone?). Make this Valentine’s Day special by focusing on your significant other. You won’t regret it.
Mix Tape/Spotify Playlist – No matter how much technology advances, people will always love a mix tape from their crush. Now with online streaming sites such as Spotify, this is easier than ever.You can type in almost any song and then build playlists that reflect your relationship or your love or even just your like. Be sure to pick songs that have significance to your date; wrack your brain for songs that mean something to the two of you.
Sports/Concert – The great thing about the Internet is that when you forget that today is Valentine’s Day, you still have time to save yourself. Ladies, say your man has been begging you to go to an Avalanche game with him all season, and you just never seem to have the time. Well, now’s your chance to get online and buy tickets for an upcoming game or concert coming up that you know your sweetheart wants to go to. Buy two tickets, and reap the benefits when they think you’ve been planning all along.
Sure, you still have to sit through a hockey game, but guaranteed, you’re winning some brownie points with this one.
Flowers – This one’s just for the guys. It’s true that some girls don’t like flowers. But then, some girls really like flowers. Think outside the box; not a dozen roses. Maybe buy a lily, or maybe you remember her saying she loved sunflowers. A single rose or a beautiful flower can say a lot to a woman you’re trying to seduce, or hold on to.
If you know she’s the kind of girl who likes a show, maybe send the flower(s) to her class or place of work, somewhere unexpected. Maybe leave them in her car or in her room. Girls love surprises.
Admit You Forgot – Because really, honesty is the best policy.
Sticky-Note Memories – This is for the date that’s got a few hours to prepare, but it’s simple and fun. Write inside jokes, memories or just random thoughts on sticky notes and stick them all over your date’s room or car. Hiding some of the notes in strange places makes this a fun gift that keeps giving. Sticky notes on the light switches, electrical sockets, on the stereo, under the bed – fun to give, fun to get.
Everybody loves a Cook – If you know how to cook at all, this is a great way to spend time with your date and have some fun in the kitchen. Plan out a meal, it could be anything from something nice and time consuming like homemade lasagna, to something silly and simple, like your gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese; it’s more about the thought. Let your date relax and sit in the kitchen while you cook.
